Cast Iron Wood Stoves, Buying Jotul, Vermont Castings

Using a cast iron wood stove, whether it is a Vermont Castings or Jotul, can be a very satisfying experience. The even, radiant heat coming from your stove makes wood heating seem like the most natural thing in the world.
Of course, there are many other brands of cast iron stoves out there, and some are really great stoves, but my personal favorites are the ones from Central Vermont and Norway. Maybe that's because I used to live in Norway and now live in Vermont!
Another great stove that you don't see so much of is made in Denmark, and is called Morso. I have owned two of these, and they are very efficient as well as beautiful.
Whatever you do, do not buy a stove from some discount manufacturer. You are only asking for a problem. The parts will not operate properly, the walls will probably crack, the finish will look terrible in a short period of time and you will become disillusioned with the entire prospect of heating your house with wood.
A well made cast iron stove will last for generations. Sure, you might break a hinge when you are trying to force a piece of oak that is too big, or you might crack the glass by accident, but this is more like replacing the brakes on your car than getting an engine overhaul. Things happen.
You should really only need 4 or 5 cords of wood here in Vermont, less if you have a small, energy efficient house like me! Maple, oak, beech and cherry all are great hardwoods that are plentiful and easy to work with. If you have your own gas chainsaw, sharpener, splitting maul or hydraulic splitter and a reliable pick up truck , you are on your way!
Many farmers will allow you to cut wood on their property, if you know them or can show that you are in their best interest. This can be a little tricky though, especially if you do not know them.
You can also get a permit to cut wood in a state forest, but be prepared to work and do a good, clean job. Once you get it home, don't forget to keep it dry in you very own hand built wood shed!
Involving the entire family with your firewood gathering, cutting, splitting, stacking and eventual heating can be a great learning tool for children. So many kids have little understanding of the real world and love to be involved with Mom and Dad. I remember helping my dad clear stones for several weeks and could not stop checking my biceps to see how much they were growing!
These memories are precious and the time together is so short. Heating with wood is a great way to create family memories and keep everyone warm at the same time.
Just remember to be careful and keep safety in the forefront at all times. I know somebody who is missing the tip of her thumb due to an accident in a log splitter. It happened because she was in a hurry and refused to listen to any advice to slow down.